If you want a holiday where you can relax and enjoy Cuba’s wonderful flora and fauna you should try Horizontes Villa Soroa hotel, particularly if you are a keen bird-watcher.

Located in the western Sierra del Rosario Mountains over 600 feet above sea level, Villa Soroa is an idyllic, colourful place that is perfect for nature lovers. A mountain stream runs right through the grounds and the fabulous botanical garden next door has over 700 species of orchid alone. The hotel’s enthusiastic guides arrange bird-watching and nature walks, while it is only a 10-minute stroll to the waterfall where you can have an invigorating dip in fresh mountain water.

For more standard swimming, Villa Soroa hotel has a large pool which is well maintained with plenty of sun loungers. The pool bar also provides great snacks and cocktails which you can enjoy while sitting back and soaking up spectacular views.

The food and drink is reasonably good at Villa Soroa, though the variety can be limited. There is an a la carte restaurant and buffet restaurant, which serves really good desserts such as creme caramel and rice custard. For those who want to try something different, there is a private house restaurant, or paladar, close to the hotel which serves excellent food.

There is daytime and evening entertainment for guests, including a duo playing Cuban favourites in the evening, creating a great ambience without intruding on those wanting to sit outside and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Horizontes Villa Soroa hotel is a fine choice for those seeking serenity in the sun, particularly bird-watchers and anyone who enjoys flowers, wildlife and beautiful mountain scenery.

The swimming pool of Hotel Horizontes Villa Soroa will be closed for renovation works from September 2014 until further notice.

There are 49 standard two-room bungalows at Villa Soroa which are all ensuite with double bed, air conditioning and terrace. These are quirky, attractive little buildings of comfortable size, though some require a little TLC. Some provide stunning views of the mountains and forest, with numbers 14-24 recommended by former guests. There is also a bungalow with adapted facilities for guests with disabilities.

Soroa, also known as Cuba's Rainbow, is 70 kilometers west of the Cuban capital. It is a site of breathtaking natural beauty, with a 22-meter waterfall that invites visitors to take a refreshing swim any time of the year.

The region's unspoilt lush environment is perfect cycling and mountain climbing, with excursions on the banks of the Manatiales River and unique baths at the so-called "Poza del Amor" (Pond of Love).

One big attraction of Soroa is the nearby botanical gardens which contain an excellent orchidarium, home to more than 700 different types of orchild. The surrounding countryside is lush, hilly and very pleasant to wander around.

For those into birdwatching, there are several viewing stations dotted around for photographers. The area affords fabulous opportunities for fauna and flora shots.

Las Terrazas is situated in Sierra del Rosario, one of Cuba's natural strongholds, which was designated a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1985.

The history of coffee cultivation, which started in the region in the 19th century, is one of the major attractions for customers at the Buenavista Restaurant, which was built on the ruins of the coffee farm of same name, founded by French immigrants.